ZCC Intensifies Support For Zimbabwean Returnees From South Africa
Yesterday, 9 July 2026, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches General Secretary, Rev. Wilfred Dimingu, carried out two strategic engagements in the Western Region aimed at strengthening the Church’s response to Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa.
His first meeting was with Local Ecumenical Fellowship Chairperson, Rev. Mbongeni Dube. Discussions centered on the humanitarian challenges facing returnees and how churches can coordinate better.
The talks also focused on “the importance of strengthening ecumenical collaboration and fostering coordinated responses among member churches to provide timely humanitarian assistance, pastoral care, and long-term support to affected individuals and families.”
In a separate engagement, Rev. Dimingu met with Bishops from the Western Region. The meeting was meant to get updates from the ground, hear directly from local congregations, and map out practical interventions.
According to ZCC, the bishops’ meeting helped to “assess the immediate needs of returnees, and identify practical, faith-based interventions that can bring hope and relief to vulnerable families.”
Later, Rev. Dimingu was at the UCCSA Njube Centre to receive Zimbabwean returnees. He addressed the group with a message of comfort and solidarity.
He “warmly welcomed the returnees back home, giving thanks to God for His protection and for bringing them safely back to Zimbabwe.”
Speaking to the returnees, Rev. Dimingu said the Church would walk with them through this transition.
“The Church stands with them during this difficult transition and the church is committed to journeying alongside them as they rebuild their lives.”
He added that ZCC and its member churches will keep providing “spiritual, psychosocial, and humanitarian support to affected families.”
Rev. Dimingu also acknowledged government efforts, “commending the Government of Zimbabwe for its ongoing efforts to receive and support returning citizens,” and reaffirmed that “the Church’s commitment to complementing these efforts through collaborative and compassionate action.”
ZCC said the engagements “reaffirm the Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ commitment to working hand in hand with churches across denominations, recognizing that collective action, shared responsibility, and Christian unity are essential in responding effectively to humanitarian crises.”
He closed with scripture: *“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)*
